Olathe Boot Company Saddles Up with APHA

Press Release

FORT WORTH, Texas – Built by horsemen, for horsemen, Olathe Boot Company is the newest addition to APHA’s 2016 World Championship Show sponsor lineup. Thanks to the new partnership, many top-performing exhibitors at both the AjPHA and APHA World Shows will win Olathe Boots; the company will also sponsor the Paint Horse Journal Pro Team and provide a free pair of boots to select winners of the Paint Horse Journal 50th anniversary subscription promotion. 

Olathe has made lasting footprints in American history since 1875. Illinois-based leather artisan C.H. Hyer learned the art of boot making from his father, a German immigrant, and founded the company shortly thereafter. He developed a measuring system that allowed customers from across the country to mail-order their boots; a version of this chart is still used by boot makers today. Olathe Boot Company was purchased in 2001 by Western Leather Goods, makers of Rios of Mercedes and Anderson Bean boots—all of which are headquartered in Mercedes, Texas.

Olathe Brand Manager Steven Kahla says even though Olathe is one of the oldest boot companies on the market, people are often unaware of the brand’s deep-rooted history and commitment to the Western lifestyle.  

“At Olathe, we are our own customers. We work cattle from horseback; we ride and train everything from cutting horses to polo horses. And after our work is done, we listen to good music and enjoy a hard-earned and well-deserved good time with family and friends,” Steven said. 

APHA Executive Director Billy Smith says Olathe understands APHA members’ need for quality, affordable, American-made boots. 

“Olathe boots are part of the fabric of America—an all-leather boot made with quality construction is an essential item for every horseperson. Olathe Boots are diverse and made to last, just like our Paint Horses,” Billy said.  

Olathe Boots will be available for purchase at the Code Western booth at the 2016 APHA World Shows—which take place in July and November—and local retailers can be found online at olatheboots.com/find-a-retailer. Learn how you could win a free pair of Olathe boots by subscribing, renewing or extending your Paint Horse Journal subscription during our 50th anniversary promotion.